An Cosantóir

| 17 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE J4 BRANCH BY LT COL FRANK FLANNERY PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LT COL FRANK FLANNERY "Effective logistics assists commanders in establishing and sustaining combat power and is an integral part of all operations at the strategic, operational and tactical levels of war." — (J4 Branch, 2023) T he central role of J4 Branch is to support DF operations and training at home, at sea and abroad through the judicious use and coordination of DF organic support capabilities and contracted services. J4 Branch staff perform their roles in order to ensure effective, value for money outputs as well as providing governance and oversight across the DF. J4 Branch carried out extensive logistical operations, training and support to DF members serving at home and overseas throughout 2023. The following is a snapshot of J4 Branch activities. INVENTORY MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE Inventory Management activities and the coordination of governance inspections, both at home and overseas, was a central element of J4 oversight and governance activities. This year J4 inventory management and governance teams provided advice and guidance through coordination of DCOS Sp inspections, Internal Audit and OCAG inspections, thereby providing assurance in respect of inventory management across the Defence Forces. The DF Travel Office, DF Printing Press, Compulsory Random Drug Testing and Court Martial Administration also come under the remit of J4. Significant activities in these areas include; • Move of the DF Printing Press to a bespoke, custom renovated building in McKee Barracks scheduled for completion in 2024. • CRDT of over 900 soldiers across 24 DF locations so far in 2023. • The booking and co-ordination of flights for Training Activities, Competitions, Conferences and Small Mission deployments. EUTM-MALI WITHDRAWAL The withdrawal of DF personnel and equipment from the EUTM Mali mission presented a logistical challenge that demanded meticulous planning and execution. Managing the withdrawal of troops and equipment from the EUTM mission area back to Ireland was a challenging and rewarding mission to undertake and successfully complete. Detailed planning for the operation began when the Irish Government promulgated the decision to withdraw from the mission. Logistical planning for the withdrawal operation allowed J4 Branch to execute the logistical withdrawal in challenging circumstances by deploying to the mission area and ensuring the safe and efficient repatriation of personnel and equipment. The withdrawal operation in a challenging and evolving environment highlights the invaluable role of logistics in DF operations overseas. UNIFIL MISSION ROTATIONS The UNIFIL mission rotations add another layer of complexity to the J4 Branch's annual responsibilities. Managing troop rotations, ensuring seamless transitions, and sustaining operational capabilities require meticulous planning and coordination with multiple stakeholders, both domestically with DF Formations and the NSRC located in the DFTC, externally with the DoD, and close coordination with UN Headquarters and UNIFIL Mission Headquarters along with Dublin Airport Authority. PLANNING FOR THE EU BATTLE GROUP 2024/25 AND USE OF PESCO LOGS HUB The PESCO (Permanent Structured Cooperation) LOGSHUB (Logistics Hub) project represented an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing logistical capabilities within the EU framework. J4 Branch's involvement in this project focused on sharing expertise, resources, and strategic insights to develop a robust logistics infrastructure to support participation in upcoming and future EU missions. J4 Branch plays a central role in coordinating with our EU colleagues in preparation for participation with the EUBG. In particular, J4 Branch are leading the DF involvement in the PESCO Logistics Hub project which is an exciting initiative in which the DF will utilise a Logistics Hub in Germany to securely store DF EUBG equipment for training and operations with the German led EUBG. The Logistics Hub is based in Germany and J4 Branch have participated in extensive planning with our German colleagues in order to use the Logistics Hubs to securely forward deploy equipment for the EUBG. UNDOF WITHDRAWAL Planning for the withdrawal of personnel and equipment from the UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) mission in 2024 is a significant logistical activity for all personnel in J4 Branch. The meticulous planning process involves detailed assessments of troop movements, equipment logistics, and strategic considerations to withdraw from the mission area in 2024. WORK PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITIES J4 Branch provides work placement opportunities for individuals seeking to gain professional and personal development in the areas of supply chain management and logistics operations within the Irish Defence Forces. If you are interested in gaining logistical experience, apply to join us and participate in the critical role played by J4 Branch in coordinating and oversight of logistical operations across the Defence Forces. SNAPSHOT OF 2023 ACTIVITIES Ammunition container in Beirut Port J4 meeting with DEU Logs Comd J4 staff packing stores in EUTM MALI to return to Ireland Comdt Richie Barber, J4, pictured during UNIFIL rotation

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